How is it implemented?

Due to its far-reaching nature, Clean Space is being introduced as a cross-cutting theme within ESA's Technology programmes as part of Agenda 2015.

Clean technologies for space are being defined by ESA as those which contribute to the reduction of the environmental impact of space programmes, taking into account the overall life-cycle and the management of residual waste and pollution resulting from space activities, both in the terrestrial eco-sphere and in space.

The term clean technologies encompasses both green technologies to mitigate the environmental impacts of space programmes on Earth and space technologies to reduce the impact of ESA missions on the space debris environment (in terms of mitigation and remediation).

Clean Space implementation is organised around four distinct branches: